Professor Urges Baltimore Students To "Build Their Network"
Employment of economists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2012 to 2022. While many business students understand that they would like to enter a profession involving finances and growth, they might not know the specific position they would like to pursue.
Offering some advice on how to utilize a business degree is Carlos Muhammad, Adjunct Professor at Baltimore City Community College and Community College of Baltimore County, he is also the coordinator of the Office of Student Life at Baltimore City Community College.
How does your experience in formal education relate to your current role?
"In school, I started as the public relations officer for the African American Students Organization, and later went on to become president of that same organization. As president, I was asked to write a school newspaper column, which was highly received and read. I was a member of other school organizations, and did various collaborative events on campus. My current role allows me to develop student leaders on campus in the same capacity that our advisors and faculty were able to when I was a student. I have also been invited back several times as a speaker on student leadership development at my alma mater and other schools."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"My education has made me see the value in developing students as leaders and seeing college as a viable place for personal development. Much of what I do has transcended to ventures I've done in the community. I've learned that you aren't truly successful in higher education until your work transcends your work environment. Much of what I learned in college prepared me for that."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into this field?
"Spread your wings, build a network of colleagues that will refer you to greater opportunities and help to open up doors for yourself. One of my favorite adages is 'your network is your net worth' and I teach my students and student leaders to embrace that."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
